A Power Greater Than Yourself

To give one's will and life over to the care of something unseen, how difficult is that? And yet this is specifically what addicts and alcoholics are asked to do in Step 3 of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics (of Narcotics) Anonymous. To make a decision to turn their will over.

Tall order, of course.

The question is why? Why do the twelve steps so fervently require the submission to a higher power? Why must we give our wills and lives over?

It's rare that a satisfactory answer can be offered to these questions. Some say that the drug or alcohol had become a higher power and hence a substitution is necessary. Others feel that the addicted mind has become so misguided that really sound decision making is no longer possible, hence some external guidance becomes essential.

I'm uncertain whether it matters. Looking around the gatherings of people in recovery and most have developed some form of belief. And most are working on a path that allows them to live in a way that contributes to others.

And most that have done this step feel better about themselves and the world. Feel better.

Tall order, but it would seem worthwhile.